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Angel di Maria won the World Cup, Copa America and Olympic gold with Argentina Benfica winger Angel di Maria will return to his boyhood club Rosario Central - 10 months after death threats forced him to backtrack on the same move. The 37-year-old began his career at Rosario in 2005 and the Argentine top-flight club announced his return on Thursday. "Our history together has more pages to write. Welcome home, " the Rosario-based club said alongside a video posted on X. The 2022 World Cup winner spent two seasons with Rosario before moving to Europe with Benfica. He went on to play more than 700 games in Europe for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris St-Germain and Juventus. Di Maria was close to rejoining Rosario as a free agent last summer but increasing drug-related violence in the region and a number of threats against him and his family ended his plans. Speaking last July, Di Maria said: "There was a threat at my sister's business, a box with a pig's head and a bullet in the forehead, and a note that said that if I returned to [Rosario] Central, the next head was that of my daughter Pia. "Those months were horrible. We could only sit there and cry each night over not being able to carry out that dream return. " Di Maria has won 30 trophies in Europe - including league titles in three countries and the 2013-14 Champions League with Real - as well as the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with Argentina. He rejoined Benfica for a second spell in 2023 and will leave the club after next month's Club World Cup campaign in the United States. Draper edges past Monfils in late-night French Open thriller Not the coming man much longer - Bethell's arrival is due Father-of-three charged over Liverpool parade crash Tracing one man's 1, 500-mile walk through the American South Ambulance paramedics respond to injuries caused by a dog Hannah visits the National Highways control centre Exploring pop-star documentaries Overcoming struggles & Taylor's advice - Humphries seals triple crown Widely mocked, wildly celebrated - how Chelsea won the Conference League 'Look at him crying' - Littler's rise in his own words 'Retirement is terrifying - but Fury's not done' Experts rank their stars of the Champions League season. Video Experts rank their stars of the Champions League season Why US Open comes at crucial moment for women's golf How Antony became a 'hero in Betis' after Man Utd sadness Why does Cunha want Man Utd move and where does he fit? In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week She made keeping cool and fought off-field battles - so why is Earps retiring now? 'Why support a team that loses? ' - how fans in Asia moved on from Man Utd How Schmid screengrab reignited putter debate Who made Opta's team of the season? F1 Q&A: Would Monaco have been better without two-stop rule? 'Simply sublime' - Arsenal youngster Dowman scores brilliant goal. Video'Simply sublime' - Arsenal youngster Dowman scores brilliant goal Who were 'superb'? Who were an 'utter shambles'? Mc Nulty's season review From yachts to pit stops: Monaco GP in pictures 'Big Four' reunite at Nadal's French Open farewell F1: Chequered Flag. Audio F1: Chequered Flag How Mc Tominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.